Jetwing Hotels-Leading Sri Lanka’s Rise In Hospitality Stakes

Hiran Cooray

By Faraz Shauketaly

The Jetwing Inventory:-
Negombo
Jetwing Lagoon
Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions
Jetwing Blue
Jetwing Beach
Jetwing Sea
Galle
Jetwing Lighthouse
Jetwing Kurulubedda
Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing
Thalpe
Jetwing Era Beach
Ahangama
Mosvold Villa by Jetwing
Kosgoda
Saffron & Blue by Jetwing
Wadduwa
Haridra Resort & Spa by Jetwing
Nuwara Eliya
Jetwing St. Andrew’s
Jetwing Warwick Gardens
Sigiriya
Jetwing Vil Uyana

As Sri Lanka accelerates towards a US$ 4,000  per capita income and the hospitality industry enjoying a renaissance-attracting in its stead huge foreign direct investment (FDI)-an old established company has firmly entrenched itself as the dominant player in the business. Firmly in the driving seat, setting standards and displaying innovation is Jetwing Hotels whose founder was the legendary Herbie Cooray. Cooray had a love affair with Sri Lanka-a country he was so proud of and who long before the Bell Pottingers of this world arrived in the island, was showcasing Sri Lanka on all continents.
The Sunday Leader spoke to Jetwing Hotels current Chairman Hiran Cooray and asked him to share some thoughts on an industry that is leading the renaissance of Sri Lanka’s economic fortunes.
Some excerpts:

Question (Q): In terms of occupancy, how is Sri Lanka doing since the return to peace?
Answer (A): Good, as we see an attractive percentage change year on year since the war ended.
Q: What is the progress of development in terms of “new-build” accommodation? What expansion programmes are currently in progress for your Group?
A: Development is certainly picking up as more and more forms of accommodation are coming up. Jetwing has exciting plans in the pipeline as we hope to double our current room inventory in the next three years with projects in Yala, Colombo, and Passikudah.   We also have plans to build in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Arugambay and Dambulla.
Q: How many more rooms are required before the hospitality industry can say “we have arrived”?
A: Tourism continues to evolve, new products get added all the times to destinations.  Take Singapore for an example: They are never satisfied with what they have and continue to come up with new products and services.  We can never say we have arrived and we shall need to keep adding new experiences and products and services to keep Sri Lanka in the news.
Q: What level of confidence does your company have for tourism development in the former conflict areas? What more needs to be done?
A: We are very confident.  In fact we were the first to announce the construction of a hotel in Jaffna together with our partner MMBL.  Infrastructure keeps improving and I think the time is right for the private sector to move in and invest.
Q: What level of mix do you wish to see in Sri Lanka in terms of available accommodation: Boutique hotels, luxury resorts, villas, etc.?
A: In an ideal world the mix should be 50-50, that is 50% of the high end and the other 50% catering to the mid to the lower market.
Q: Still in an ideal world what would you like done to further promote Sri Lanka Tourism?
A: We must be constantly in the news with positive stories.  Many people outside of Sri Lanka are not aware of the new hotel products that have come up.  It is time we communicate to the outside world in order to attract more high spending visitors to Sri Lanka.
Q: In the forthcoming budget what would you like to see that would be perceived as a boost for tourism and the hospitality sector?
A: It is important that the positive tax regime is maintained.  There have been many incentives given in the past and I wish to see that continued.
Q: Are there significant “missing pieces of the puzzle” that are required to boost tourism like theme parks and other family-oriented entertainment to give visitors a diverse mix of “what to do” in Sri Lanka?
A: There will always be missing pieces, but we should not be too concerned about that.  Our unique selling point is our wonderful people and the five star island where we are blessed with natural beauty.  I think it is important to protect our environment and the local communities and showcase that to the world.
Q: What are the significant changes for the better that you would like to see happening in the industry?
A: Our service levels need to be held at higher standards and the only way to do this is to place more emphasis on developing people and investing in more training facilities.  I would like to see Sri Lankans becoming more disciplined.  Respect for women in our country continues to be on the decline.  It is virtually impossible for a woman to travel independently.  They get approached and harassed all the time.  This needs to be addressed soon at every level so that all are free and safe to travel within our beautiful island.
Q: How do you rate the “minimum rate” policy, does the industry now need it?
A: The minimum rate given was a big boost to the Colombo hotels.  Their bottom lines improved and as a result many of them improved their product.  This was needed as most of the Colombo hotels were looking tired.  Once the city hoteliers are confident to sell at high prices and the market starts accepting them, we should move on to a demand and supply based pricing policy.
Q: Your father was a pioneer in the leisure industry, a real legend. What would you say was his legacy to Jetwing in general and to the industry in particular?
A: His legacy was not to Jetwing alone, rather to the country which he loved. He always saw this island and its people as something the world should see, and thanks to him Jetwing is one of the most sought after hospitality providers in the region.
Q: How important is training and development? Is Sri Lanka on the right track?
A:  Very important.  I think the country as a whole is not investing enough in training and development.  Language and soft skills need further improvement. Also, I would like to see more hospitality institutions which can be used to feed the hotels that are yet to be opened with a skilled workforce.
Q: What impact has Sri Lanka’s passion for cricket had on the hospitality industry?
A: Sri Lanka cricket has put Sri Lanka on the map many times.  Since the World Cup victory in 1996, they have done wonders for the island.  I always use Arjuna as an example when it comes to boosting the confidence within our own Jetwing team.  I’m sure Sri Lanka Cricket will continue to play a role in keeping Sri Lanka well positioned at least in the cricket playing world.
Q: How fares employee rights, standards and satisfaction in Sri Lanka? What of labour Laws-adequate or needs looking at?
A: I think our labour laws are slightly more in favour of the employees.  Jetwing has no particular issues.
Q: If you were to start all over again, would you invest in the hotel trade in Sri Lanka?
A: I always think getting hooked onto tourism is like an addiction. It is difficult to give up.  I cannot think of doing anything else.  Therefore if I have to start all over again, I will do it, except that I will not have the same courage that my father had over 40 years ago.

Source: http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/11/03/jetwing-hotels-leading-sri-lankas-rise-in-hospitality-stakes/